JoAnn

I am a homeschooling mom of four wonderful blessings and Master Playologist with SimplyFun. I'm known for my distractedness, thus the title of my blog. It's about all of the distractions in life: those that are part of homeschooling, those that distract from our homeschooling day, and everything in between. I love everything that comes with staying at home and homeschooling the kids and wouldn't trade it for anything. I love helping others and hope to encourage parents to spend time connecting with and getting to know their kids better. You can find me on Facebook (HomeschoolDistractions or JoAnnsGames), Twitter (JoAnnsGames), and Perioscope (JoAnnsGames). You can also email me at fortheloveofshiny at gmail dot com.

Scott

Scott is my husband of 16 years. He is a wonderful father and avid supporter of homeschooling. He is the sole proprietor of IT Service Works, which he established to serve the IT needs of small businesses in the Tacoma area and beyond. If you need excellent and reliable IT support, contact him.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

My kids are so excited that it is, finally, officially spring. They just can't wait for the weather to warm up and the summer events to begin. Only a few more months left. Until then, there's plenty of fun opportunities to enjoy.

Weekly Pick: Once Upon This Island by Lakewood Playhouse

The Lakewood Playhouse has become one of my personal favorite venues because they regularly provide opportunities for families to enjoy live theater without the expense that usually comes with it. One of those opportunities is coming up this week. They will be having a free preview showing (really their final dress rehearsal) of "Once Upon This Island," a Caribbean-themed musical version of the Little Mermaid. The play begins at 8pm and Thursday but plan to arrive at 7pm to get tickets which are handed out on a first come, first serve basis. Seating is also handled first come, first serve with the first arrivals given first pick. Concessions (candy, cookies, soda) are sold so bring a few dollars if you wish to purchase a snack. With the familiarity of the Little Mermaid, this is sure to be a popular one with the kids.

Izilla Toys up in Seattle is offering another free family game night on Wednesday from 5-8pm, complete with pizza and refreshments. Games are available for everyone ages 3 to adult.

The Seattle Men's Chorus, Seattle Women's Chorus, and Jet City Improv are presenting a free children's concert at McCaw Hall in downtown Seattle next Saturday at 2pm. The hour-long concert will have costumes, humor, and audience participation to get kids fired up and interested in music. You must request tickets in advance...limit 6 per family.

Whirligig, the annual indoor carnival for kids, is coming to Seattle Center March 28th through April 13th. Available for their enjoyment will be inflatable rides, clowns, face painters, and free entertainment. A special toddler zone will also be available. Inflatable ride admission will cost $7.25 for an all-day pass, $4.25 for toddlers, or $1.50 for a single ride but kids ride free on Thursdays. Hours are Monday-Thursday 11am-4pm, Friday-Sunday 11am-6pm.

The Puget Home, Garden, and Garage Show is going on this weekend also (March 27th through March 30th) in the showplex at the Western Washington Fairgrounds. Of course, there will be plenty there for gardeners but there will also be kid's activities including gold fish racing. The show will be going on Thursday-Friday from 11am-7pm, Saturday from 10am-7pm, and Sunday from 10am-4pm. Cost: $5 Thursday and Friday, $9 Saturday and Sunday, FREE 18 and under

Are you Scottish, studying Scotland, or just love the sound of bagpipes? If yes, then the Scottish Heritage Festival is the place for you this coming weekend. The 9th annual National Tartan Day Celebration will be going on at the Western Washington Fairgrounds on March 29th from 9am-5pm. You can enjoy the sound of bag pipes, learn about Scottish clans, and see Highland dancers. The cost is $5 adults, $3 students/seniors, Free 5 and under.

If you are studying astronomy or just love the stars, there's an event for you this weekend as well. The Tacoma Astronomical Society will be hosting a free public viewing session at Pierce College (9401 Farwest Drive SW, Lakewood, WA) on Saturday, March 29th from 7:30pm-11:00pm. There will be indoor lectures, demonstrations, and workshops regardless of the weather. If the night is clear, volunteers provide telescopic observation of many celestial objects. The event is free (donations accepted) and geared to a wide age range.

1 Comments:

My mom used to take us to Whirligig every year! It's crazy that it is still around... Did you end up going to the UPS rummage sale, and if so, was it neat? I couldn't find keep the truck and GB had to work, so we missed it.